Publications

Genetics and epigenetics of aging and longevity. Cell Cycle.

Written and published by Biogerontology Research Foundation staff in collaboration with
University of California at Davis (Department of Ophthalmology and Vision
Science; School of Medicine), Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology,
Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Komi Science Center of
Russian Academy of Sciences (Institute of Biology) and Federal Clinical
Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology.

Abstract: Evolutionary theories of aging
predict the existence of certain genes that provide selective advantage early in
life with adverse effect on lifespan later in life (antagonistic pleiotropy
theory) or longevity insurance genes (disposable soma theory). Indeed, the
study of human and animal genetics is gradually identifying new genes that
increase lifespan when overexpressed or mutated: gerontogenes. Furthermore,
genetic and epigenetic mechanisms are being identified that have a positive
effect on longevity. The gerontogenes are classified as lifespan regulators,
mediators, effectors, housekeeping genes, genes involved in mitochondrial
function, and genes regulating cellular senescence and apoptosis. In this
review we demonstrate that the majority of the genes as well as genetic and
epigenetic mechanisms that are involved in regulation of longevity are highly
interconnected and related to stress response.